I really have mixed feelings about hiking from the Sterling Pointe trailhead at Folsom Lake. On the plus side, parking is free and the lot is usually nearly empty whenever I go. It’s also a fairly easy hike downhill to the lakeshore with great scenic views and even a bench or two along the way. Once at the bottom, you can follow the remains of the North Fork Ditch as it parallels the path of the North Fork American River, now Folsom Lake.

But for me, the biggest downside is that once I’ve tired myself out hiking near the lake, I know there’s a steep climb back up the side of the canyon to reach the car. Yes, most of it is in the shade, but I somehow always get confused by the maze of trails up near the top when I’m already exhausted and more than ready to head home! Maybe that’s why I usually see more people on horseback than pedestrians on these wonderful trails.

A nice perch, but not worth the climb

This stone aquaduct was part of the North Fork Ditch, built in 1854